Executive Summary
Swiss agriculture is shrinking structurally: In 2025, there were 46,270 farms, 1.7% fewer than 2024. The average farm size grew to 22.5 hectares. Organic farming area increased to 192,300 hectares (18.5% of total area), although the number of organic farms declined for the first time since 2010. Dairy cow populations fell by 0.6%, poultry populations rose by 1.7%. The share of women in farm management increased to 8.1%.
Persons
- Federal Statistical Office (FSO) (Data source)
Topics
- Agricultural structural development
- Organic farming
- Livestock population development
- Gender parity in agriculture
Clarus Lead
The structural transformation of Swiss agriculture is intensifying: While farm numbers decline, surviving farms are growing in size. Particularly relevant for agricultural policy is the divergence between organic farming area (continuing to grow) and the number of organic farms (declining for the first time) – a signal for consolidation in the organic sector as well. Regionally, organic growth is concentrated in Neuchâtel, Thurgau, and Lucerne, while Jura and Valais are shrinking. Rising female participation in farm management points to demographic shifts that could shape skilled labor policy.
Detailed Summary
The agricultural employment rate fell by 1.5% to 145,600 persons. Small farms (under 30 hectares) decreased by 2.7%, while larger farms increased by 1.4% – a concentration trend that also affects organic farms. In the organic sector, farmers manage an average of 24.6 hectares.
Crop dynamics showed varied trends: Cereals (139,000 hectares) grew by 2% after a 2024 decline – spelt and rye increased significantly, barley continued to decline. Vegetable production (+5.0% to 13,400 hectares) is concentrated in Bern, Zurich, and Aargau. Sugar beets (+4.5% to 17,500 hectares) confirmed an upward trend since 2023. Soy as animal feed expanded by 67% to 3,400 hectares since 2020. Sunflowers and rapeseed together reached 30,500 hectares.
Livestock populations showed divergent development: The cattle population fell by 0.3%, dairy cows by 0.6% to 524,400 animals – a consequence of international tensions and overproduction. Over ten years, the dairy cow population fell by 10%, while beef cattle increased by 26%. Poultry production grew by 1.7%, laying hens by 1.9%, broilers by 2.2% (of which 20% organic label). Pig populations fell to 1,257,700 animals; organic pig farming remains marginal at 2.8%.
Key Messages
- Farm Consolidation: Fewer but larger farms characterize Swiss agriculture; the trend also affects the organic sector
- Organic Area Growth with Farm Decline: Ecological farming area reaches 18.5% of total area, while organic farms shrink for the first time since 2010
- Regional Disparities: Organic growth is concentrated in German-speaking Switzerland; Jura and Valais lose organic farming area
- Changing Livestock Farming: Dairy cattle under pressure, poultry and alternative protein sources (soy) expanding
- Gender Shift: Share of women in farm management doubled over ten years (5.4% → 8.1%)
Critical Questions
Data Quality: Is the structural survey based on a full census or sample? How is the reliability of farm delimitation (particularly for very small farms) ensured?
Causality of Organic Area Growth: Is the area growth in the organic sector driven by conversion of existing farms or by new registrations? What role do subsidies play?
Dairy Cow Decline: Are the mentioned "international tensions" (Russia sanctions?) or structural market factors decisive? How long will this trend persist?
Implementation Risk of Soy Expansion: Is the 67% increase in soy cultivation area since 2020 sustainable, or does it react to volatile feed prices? What soil protection consequences result?
Gender Representation: Are women counted as farm managers if they are a partner of a principal manager, or only as sole decision-makers?
Regional Inequality: Why do Jura and Valais lose organic farming area despite organic support? Are farm closures or declining conversions responsible?
Sources
Primary Source: Agricultural Structural Survey 2025 – Federal Statistical Office
Verification Status: ✓ 12.05.2026
This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-check: 12.05.2026